Titanium pigment production



Patented Aug. 26, 19 41 UNITED STATES 1 PATENT- OFFICE TITANIUM PIGMENT PRODUCTION James Eliot Booze, Wilmington, Del., assign'or to E. I. du Pont de Nemours 8; Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application June 22, 1938, Serial No. 215,220

1-: Claims. (01. 106-296) I acteristics after prolonged exposure to 'the outdoor elements and relatively complete freedom from the tendency towards chalking or fading failures which prior-titanium dioxide pigments characteristically exhibit.

The ideal and commercially adaptable titanium dioxide pigment to be useful in both intesurfaces, either for protection or ornamentation, which require outdoor exposures.

Various attempts have been made previously to "obtain pigments adaptable for both interior and exterior applications from anatase titanium dioxide, or through conversion of the same to rior and exterior coating applications must not only retain such valuable pigmentary properties as inertness, color, brightness and hiding power, but must also impart desired tint retention to the coating and be free from any tendency to chalk or fade. Titanium dioxide occurs in three crystalline forms, i. e., anatase, brookite and rutile, having respective refractive indices of 2.52, 2.64and 2.71. Previous'commercial titanium dioxide pigments are characterized by the anatase crystalline structure, which, as will rutile. None, however, has proved successful or adapted to the production of a product satisfactorily suited for the intended pigment use. Thus, for example, U. S. Patent 1,348,129 proposes to convert titanium dioxide to rutile modification by calcining precipitated titanium dioxide at temperatures of'900 to 1000' (7., in the presence of a volatile halogen compound such as zinc chloride; U. S. Patent 1,436,164proposes to .produce pigment .titanates in crystal modiflca-r tion containing titanium dioxide and an insoluble salt of a bivalent metal, by mixing together and subsequently heating equivalent amounts of precipitated titanic acid and a bivalent metal compound; U. S. Patent 1,590,697 proposes the manufacture of titanium zinc compounds by a dry process by heating in molecular proportions mixtures of TiS: and zinc sulfate;

while U. S. Patent 1,750,287 proposes to neube noted, is the form of lowest refractive index.

These prior anatase form of T102 pigments are characteristically porous in structure, very fine in particle size, and extremely irregular of surface. They chalk and fade badly and with extreme rapidity, particularly when employed in exterior applications subjected to atmospheric or other deteriorating influence. Thus, when tralize precipitated titanium dioxide by use of an excess of zinc oxide, filter, wash and then heat the resultant product to incandescence. Due to the conversion or other conditions which prevail in such processes, the product therefrom is either of very unsatisfactory color, exhibits objectionable chalking and fading failures when employed in exterior coating applications, or does not possess that'complete and desired combination of essential pigmentary properties requisite to a titanium dioxide pigment which will be adaptable to. all manners and types of com such pigments are formulated in linseed oilpaints of high covering power and exposed to the elements, disintegration of the paint film begins to occur within a very short period of time, and is manifested by the appearance of numerous particles of loosely-held pigment on the sur- -iace of the film, characterized as chalking. in

the art. If the white pigment has been tinted to a color by means of a colored pigment, or to gray by means of lamp black, the chalk particles of white pigment on the surface of the tinted paint film obscure the color of the underlying surface and the paint then presents a blotchy, unsightly appearance, some areas have faded or lost the original color to become white. As

a consequence, titanium dioxide pigment use is seriously limited in paints and coating compositions, and especially in those designed to cover mercial usage.

It is among the objects or this invention, therefore, to overcome the lack of'essential pigmentary properties which the pigments from prior titanium dioxide processes characteristically exhibit, and to provide a'novel and improved type of titanium pigment and process for producing the same which will exhibit all of the V essential pigmentary attributes which have been alluded to. -A further object of the invention includes the production of a white titanium pigment of markedly improved, superior durability characteristics, and one which exhibits rela, tively complete freedom from any tendency towards chalking or fading, particularly when employed in coating formulations subjected to outdoor exposure and the elements. A further object of the invention includes the production of an improved titanium dioxide pigment of substantially rutile crystalline modification. and containing relatively amounts of zinc in discovery,

' such as tinting strength, hiding power,

. from any tendency towards chalking, lack drawing.

' ment calcination temperatures shine for a period 8r eitherprior art; anatase 110:,

inyention.

bility may be'described as the 2 the form of -a titanate. An additional object includes the production of an improved type of titanium pigment which is of characteristically uniform, relatively large, coarse particlesize; of satisfactory and improved color, having high tinting strength and hiding power values, and possessed of other desirable pigmentary properties, such as essential and satisfactory oil absorption, brightness, inertness, etc., value.

In accordance with the=present invention and it has been found that I anatase or rutile titanium dioxide is subiected to calcination in the presence of regulated and preferably minor amounts of a compound of zinc which is non-volatile under the prevailing calcination conditions, quite unexpectedly, a novel and superior type of pigment of markedly improved stability and durability characteristics results; and that when said pigment is subsequently employed in coating compositions, it will possess the desirable qualities of relatively complete freedom from any tendency towards chalking, lack of tint retent on, and/or fading.

Further, it has been titanium dioxide is employed in the production of such novel pigments and preliminarily calcined to first develop desired pigment prop rties color, oil absorption, etc. (but under such conditions as will-inhibittransformation of the anatase to rutile) recalci'natio'n of the product in the presence of relatively small orminor quantities of a compound of zinc which is non-volatile under ifeither I formulation was selected, consisting of a linseed the pigments house paint or non -chalking characteristics of of the present'invention, an outside oil vehicle containing 92% acid refined linseed oil and 8% of bodied linseed oil. Pigmentation was at 28.5% pigment volume and the titanium pigment made up 24.4% of the weight of the pigment. A 35% leaded zinc oxide and fibrous magnesium silicate (36.6% of the former and 39% of the latter) made up the remainder of the white pigment portion of the paint. The paints were groundon a three-roll paint mill at optimum paint grinding consistency and later thinned with the remainder of the oil and the proper amount of mineral, spirits. Tinting to standard gray and buff tints was made with the proper paste colors and were exposed'along with the whites.

Exposure tests of these paints were made on edge grainedwhite pine panels. Three coats of paint were applied to each panel, using a standard recommended reduction for first and second coats pint turpentine plus -1 pint of found that when anatase the recalcination conditions or which converts to sion of the anatase to rutile crystalline state and produce an exceedingly durable titanium dioxidezinc titanate pigment which will be relatively free of tint retention, or faili when subsequently employed in exterior coating compositions.

- Referring to the accompanying illustrative Figure 1 thereof shows a plurality of curves, the abmissa representing pigment calcination temperatures and the ordinates values for color, oil absorptions tinting strength and tile 'conversiomwhen varyins P 8- with either 1%,

or 2% zinc oxide are employed in the invention;

comprises a set of comparative curves on chalkinz determinltions resulting from concurrent exposure of standard automotive finish coated panels at 45 south Florida sunseven months time, the T10: pigment ingredient in said finishes being prior anatase TiO: with, antimony oxide, or rutile converted T10: containing'small amounts of zinc titanate crystals, as contemplated'in the instant Having broadly referred td the underlying principlesof the invention, a brief description of the pigmentary terms. employed to describe the "novel pigments of this invention,

together with methods employed fdr determining the same will' jjnow beset forth, in order that a more. complete understanding of the invention will be-had.

Dgmtbiiifl For purposes of the present invention;- durace which a pigment exhibits towards fading and chalking when tested in 'paints employed in exterior exposures and automotive finishes.

* I In determining the durability and non-fading anadmixture of raw linseed oil for the first coat, and 1 pint of turpentine plus ke pint .of linseed oil for the second coati The third coat was applied -unre- 'duced. These panels were exposed for direct comparison with similar ard titanium dioxide,

panels containing stand-- the industry, on both vertical and 45 inclined Delaware fences facing south and also on 45 south Florida fences.

Determination of the durability characteristics 4 of the pigments of the present invention in auto- -motive finishes was also made, and in direct comparison with standard SbiOi-TiO: pigments employed in such finishes. The pigments were formulated in an automotive finish of the well known 'polyhydric alcohol-polybasic' acid type.

the formulation comprising 23% pigment, 31% of a dry oil modified polyhydric-alcohol-polybasic acid resin, and 46% solvent. The enamels were prepared by grinding in pebble mills followed by addition of 0.07% cobalt-drier as metal,

tinting to the desired shade, and thinning with additional solvent for spray application The enamels were appliedon under'coated steel panels which were exposed toi 'lorida sunshine on a 45' a. fence.

ln gradlng scale was adopted, running from Q to 18, "0" representing'no fading and 18. very extreme fad- 7 difference ofone point or'i the scale is material.

Absolitid reflectance or Reflectance is the ratio oilightiefieetion from" the sample to be tested to light reflected Examination of Paints, varnishes, Colors," by Gardner, 8th edition, January, 1937. pp.

1 135-436,; Journal of Optical Society of America, vol. 22, pp. 305-311, September, 1935, and Vol.33,

".Theapparatusisso reneetedfromthe surfaceorasolidmaterialmay extensively employed in panels for chalking and fading, an arbitrarily selected numerical constructed'th atthel ll t freadings are possible throughout the visible a standard similarly prepared as be the basis oi a curve drawn at the time or the measurement. Mono-chromatic light is used an spectrum with light ranging from 400-700 millimicrons. By use of the 1931 C. I. E. Standard and Coordinate System, curve values for dominant wave lengths in millimicrons, per cent excitation purity. per cent brightness, the tri-chromatic coemcients and tri-stimulus values are calculated.

The samples were prepared for test by pressing the pigments into a pillbox holder against a glass plate to obtain a smooth, homogeneous surface,

and the surface of the pressed powders examined directly in the Hardy P. E. recording tometer.

The surface or the pressed powder sample is illuminated normally by monochromatic light and the amount of light reflected difiusely, relative to the amount of the same light reflected in the spectropho- -same manner from a. surface of magnesium oxide,

is a measure of the percent reflectance of the sample at the wavelength used. The sample is examined at all wavelengths, in turn, throughout the visible spectrum, and the values of reflectance at each wavelength form a continuous curve, reierred to as. a spectrophotometric curve.

By use of the 1931 C. I. E. Standard Observer and Coordinate System and E. I. E. illuminant "C", values may be calculated from the spectrophotometric curve that describe the sample in much the same manner as it would appear visually to a normal observer, where illuminated by north sky light. The values of dominant wavelength .(in millimicrons), per cent excitation purity, and per cent brightness have been so calculated from the. curves of the samples, and these values correspond approximately to the terms hue (whether red, yellow, green, or blue), saturation (how blue, 'how red, etc.) and brilliance (whether a dark or a light shade), respectively.

Color Color is the'apparent' brightness and tint of the pigment'in an oil paste, as measured relative to is expressed in units on an arbitrary scale. 4 I

The procedure followed in testing the pigments of the instant invention is essentially that described by J.E. Booge and H. E. Eastlack in the Eaint, Oil and Chemical Review, 'April 9, 1924. Briefly, this comprises mulling the pigment with acid refinedlinseed oil of acid number 12.5 to

.iorm a thick paste. The sample to be tested and the standard are placed beside each other on a microscopic slide 2"x3" in daubs about 1 "x1".

The daubs should be in sharp contact without air' bubbles in the contact line and should be sufll- 'ciently thick'to cut ofi all transmitted light. The pastes are then graded under north sky light for diiference in appearance. The minimum perceptible difierence in brightness is calledone I point of color- The sample is graded in full points from the standard. Differences in tint are important. In the case of white pigments a yellowish cast-of the sample is penalized in the, grading to the extent of one or more points, depending on whether it is barely perceptible or clearly evident. On the other hand, a bluish cast relative to the neutralstandard is considered desirable and consequently modifies the grading upward.

The scale is selected in an arbitrary'manner and values are given to several standard pigments within the useful range, a difference or one point being material. Salable pigments should rate above 8.or higher.

Tinting strength determined substantially in accordance with the method described by J. E. Booge and H. E. Eastlack in the Paint, Oil and Chemical Review, April 16, 1924. Briefly, pastes are prepared by mulling together the white pigment, ultramarine blue, and acid refined linseedoil of 12.5 acid number. The proportions used in determining the tinting strength of pigments of the invention were 3.0 grams of the titanium pigment, 1.0 gram 01 ultramarine blue and 1.5 cc. of oil. These ingredients were made into a paste with a spatula and mulled for 3 minutes with a 15 pound weighted muller.

Standards are prepared in the same manner except for the amount of blue which is increased or decreased proportionally as it is desired to prepare standards for lower or higher strength. The proportion of blue used in the standard paste to give any desired strength is inversely proportional to that strength. Thus, one standard is called arbitrarily'150, which corresponds to 1.0 grams of blue in the paste. The required amount for 140 strength-is r X1.0 or'1.07.14 grams Hiding power Hiding power may be defined qualitatively as that property of a paint which enables it to obliterate beyond recognition any background over which. it is spread. Mathematically, it is usually expressed as square feet per gallon of paint.

The hiding powerioi a pigment may be calculated from the hiding power of the paint in which it is compounded by a simple calculation involving the figure for the weight of pigment .per

gallon oi! paint. It is expressed as the area in square centimeters covered per gram of pigment.

The equipment and methods used in determin ing hiding power values were substantially those described in Gardner's "Physical and Chemical Examination of Paints, varnishes, Lacquers, Colors (January 1937 edition) page 45,- et seq.,

entitled Krebs dry film incomplete hiding power.

Oil absorption Oil absorption is the amount of oil in grams required to wet grams of pigment.

The method oi. testing employed in determining oil absorption values is described in Gardners Physical and Chemical Examination oiaasasu laints, varnishes, Lacquers and Colors, 1933 edition, pp. ,475-7. A S-gramsample is used, acid-refined linseed oil of 12.5 acid number is added slowly from a burette and worked into the pigment with a spatula on a smooth glass plate. The addition of oil is continued, a drop or two at a time, until the i were then calculated, using the was given mass.

. identified in this comparison. I

the contrast of the lines in the two patterns give a centration of each component paring negatives of pigment.

, these in the comparisons.

pigment can be jcollected in one coherent mass adhering to the spatula, but not wetting the .glass. The amount of oil used to wet the pigment is read from the burette.

Particle size Particle size, as employed herein, refers to the magnitude of the discrete particles making up the pigment. It is expressed usually as the arithmetical mean average diameter of the pigment particles.

e method employed for determining the same is outlined in the Proceedings of the Thirtysixth Annual Meeting of. the American Society for Testing Materials, vol. 33, pp. 989-995 (1938) This comprises a photomicrographic method and reproducibility within satisfactory limits was found possible. Briefly, the pigments are dispersed in Canada balsam in the preparation of the slides. Photomicrographs are made at 15001! magnification, using a 90X apochromat objective in representing the number of partidles of any C'rilsto! structure As indicated, titaniumdioxide occurs in three different crystalline forms, anatase, brookite. and rutile. Each crystal form has-its characteristic x-ray-diifraction pattern and present day techniqueis sufiiciently developed to give semiquantitative percentage values for mixturesof the modifications.

In determining the crystalcstructure'of the pigments of the instant invention, the finelydivided pig'ment is placed in the path of abeam of x-rays and a diffraction pattern is obtained In one preferred embodiment. and to obtain optimum benefits hereunder, to an aqueous. slurry of titanium dioxide in substantially anatase crystalline state and previously calcined to develop such desirable pigmentary properties as satisfactory tinting strength, hiding power, etc. about .1% to 2% of zinc oxide, based on' the weight of the ent under treatment. is added. Alternatively, and if preferred, a suflicient quantity of a solution of zinc sulphate adapted to decompose under subsequent heat treatment and provide such amounts of zinc oxide may be utilized. Upon suitable addition of the requisite amountof 'zinc compound to the pigmentslurry,

the whole mass is subjected to vigorous agitation to effect thorough mixing and uniform incorporation oi the zinc compound throughout the pigment particles. The slurry is then filtered to a relatively dry condition, this dewateringoperation providing a T10: pigment throughout which the zinc compound remains in even and intimately distributed contact. The resultant product or mixture is then subjected to"calcina-.

tion at temperatures ranging from about 850- 950" C. in a rotary type of kiln calciner for a period of time sufilcient to convert the anatase mo, pigment to substantially complete rutile modification and chemically combine therewith, due to zinc presence, relatively small and minor quantities of nine ortho titanate crystals. The

calcined, recovered product is then, finished by a wet milling the same in a convenient grinding apparatus, such as'a ball mill, filtered, dried and pulverized to break up lumps formed duringdrying. The pigment product is then ready for direct incorporation in all types of paint and coating compositions.

r In order to more-clearly describe the invention, the ensuing examples are furnished, each of which is only illustrative in character and no wise in limitation of its underlying concepts:

Example I To 100I-parts of uncalcined anatase titanium dioxide in the form of a thick viscous slurry was added 1% of zinc oxide, and after thorough agitation to eflect intimate mixing, the mixture was evaporated to dryness.- The resultant product was thereafter calcined in a rotary kiln for a period of 30 minutes at approximately 1000 C. The product was then wet ground. filtered and dried. when tested in accordance with methods already outlined,-the resultant pigment was determined to possess the following characteristics:

on a negative in the customarysmanner. 'lhe developed negatives are then compared standard patterns. Two ,or more patterns may be present on one negative and each can be- By using the proper time of exposure.

measureof the eon- V in the mixture. This estimation is made more accurate by premixtures of known and using concentrations of anatase, rutile, etc.

nology employed to describe the various pigmentary properties which the novel pigmentsv of, the present invention will characteristically exhibit, a description of one practical adaptation of said invention willnow be undertaken.

toknown Its T10: content had been converted to substantially rutile;' its particle size average (d1) was .61 micron diameter; its tinting strength value 1'10; its .oilabsorption value 16.1; and its color value 12.6. when formulated in paints and automotive finishes. it exhibited excellenthiding power and durability characteristics.

. lt'zample II i 100 kg. of. previously calcined anatase' titanium dioxide was suspended in water to form a mobile slurry at a'concentration of 250 grams of T101 'per liter of suspension. To this suspension was added a solution containing 1.98 kg. of ZnBOc dissolved in water (equivalent ml kg. of zinc oxide) and the aqueous mixture agitated to insurecomplet mixing The slurry was evaporated to dryness and' calcined for a period of '30 minutesat a temperature of about 950 C, in a rotary kiln. The calcined product was wet ground, filtered, driedandpulverized, and de- Example III To 100 parts of uncalcined anatase no: in the form of a thick viscous slurry was added 4 'parts of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 2% zinc oxide). The resultant product was thereafter calcined in a rotary kiln for a period of 30 minutes at approximately 925 C. The product was then wet ground, filtered and dried. When tested in accordance with methods already outlined, the resultant pigment was determined to possess the following characteristics: Its TiOz content had been converted to substantially 100% rutile; its particle size average (d1) was .40 micron diameter; its tinting strengthyalue 172; its oil absorption value 18.6; and its color value 14.5.

' When formulated in paints and automotive finishes, it exhibited excellent hiding power and durability characteristics.

Example. IV

To 100 parts of uncalcined anatase TiO2 in the form of a thick viscous slurry was added 4 parts of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 2% zinc'oxideL.

The resultant product was thereafter calcined in a rotary kiln for a period of 30 minutes at approximately 1000 C. The product was then wet ground, filtered and dried. When tested in accordance with methods already outlined, the resultant pigment was determined to possess the following characteristics: Its T102 content had been converted to substantially 100% rutile; its particle size average (d1) was .43 micron diameter; its tinting strength value 152; its oil absorption value 16; and its color value 13.5. When formulated in paints and automotive fin ishes, it exhibited .excellent hiding power and durability characteristics.

Eizample V An uncalcined, hydrated titanium dioxide precipitate containing 100 kg. of T102 was suspended in water to form a mobile slurry. To this suspension was added a solution containing 1.98 kg. of zinc sulfate dissolved in water (equivalent to 1 kg. of zinc oxide). The slurry was agitated to eifect intimate mixing, then dried and the mix- 7 Example VI 100 kg. ofcalcined, anatase titanium-dioxide are suspended in water, and with this suspension is incorporated a solution containing 9.9 kg. of ZnSO4 dissolved in water '(equivalent to ZnO). The slurry is dried and the mixture is calcined for 60 minutes at a temperature of 850 C. The calcined product is finished by wet grinding, filtering, drying, and pulverizin'g.-

When tested in accordance with methods already outlined, the resultant pigment was determined to possess the following characteristics: Its TiO: content had been converted to substantially rutile; its particle size average (d1) was .7 micron diameter; its tinting strength value 166; its oil absorption value 18; and its color value 12.1. When formulated in paints and automotive finishes, it exhibited excellent hiding power and durability characteristics.

Example VII An uncalcined, hydrated titanium. dioxide precipitate containing kg. of T10: is suspended in water, and with this isincorporated 9.9 kg. of ZnSO; dissolved in water (equivalent to 5% ZnO). The slurry is dried and the mixture is calcined for 60 minutes at a temperature of 850" C. The calcined product is finished by wet grinding, filtering, drying, and pulverizing. When tested in accordance with methods already outlined, the resultant; pigment was' determined to possess the following characteristics": Its T10: content had been converted to substantially 95% rutile; its particle size average (d1) was .8 micron diameter; its tinting strength value its oil absorption value 18; and its color value 12.2. When formulated in paints and'automotive finishes, it exhibited excellent-hiding power and durability characteristics.

Although specific temperatures of calcination and specific types and amounts of zinc compounds have been mentioned as utilizable in the invention, it will be understood these are not to be taken as critical. Generally, calcination or recalcination temperatures of the order of from shown by said curves, the color values check the brightness values, as measured by the Hardy spectrophotometer and indicate that as calcination temperatures increase, pigment color values decrease. Accordingly, in some instances it may .be desirable to employ relatively low calcination temperatures, in order to minimize or avoid color losses. While such lowering in color by reason of the use of relatively high calcination temperatures is generally undesirable, it will be found that starting with a pigment having a brightness or color of about 95% or higher in the invention, a color value of 90% or higher can be easily obtained. Thus, apigment product as satisfactorily white or bright as such extensively used pig,- ments as basiccarbonate, white lead, and leaded zinc oxide can be produced, and any color loss which may ariseis tolerable, since it .is more than oifset by the improved fading and chalking resistance characteristics which the pigment products exhibit when employed in exterior paints and automotive finishes. The following data illustrates more particularly the-brightness or color values which representative pigments of this invention exhibit when subjected to Varying viously, this can be conditions of calcination, and in accordance with -the invention. These data effectively demonstrate the satisfactory colorvvalues whichpigments of the instant invention exhibit, especially when it is considered that a high-grade commercial anatase titanium dioxide pigment exhibits a Brl tness Brightness Pigment p or to ZnO Temp. after treatment calcn. treatment Percent C.

As stated, the type and amount of zinc compound such as the preferred zinc pound, utilizable in the invention, variance. In general, I prefer to employ relatively small amounts of non-volatile zinc compounds, of the order of, say, from about .1% to 2% or up to 10%, based on the weight of the pigment. Use of such amounts will result in the final pigmem; product containing from .15 to 3% and up to of zinc titanate. While these small amounts are preferable, larger amounts, but relatively minor in proportion to the titanium .dioxide, and as high as, say, or based on the weight of the pigment, may be employed, if desired. Zinc compounds preferably adapted for use in the invention'include those whichare nonvolatile under prevailing calcination or recalcinaor which, under such conditions, decompose to form zinc oxide as a reactant. Among specific types of such non-volatile zinc compounds maybe mentioned the sulfate, the

tion conditions,

- nitrate, the acetate, the hydroxide, the oxalate,

the peroxide, the sulfide, the oxysulfide, the carbonate, or the thiosulfate. Where the zinc compound employed is added as a dissolved salt to an aqueous Tim suspension, and filtration is had as a means of dewatering, necessarily some of the dissolved salt will be lost in the filtrate. Ob-

taken into consideration and accounted for atthe time of salt addition. If desired, this loss may be obviated by resorting to" neutralization with a base, such asammoniunr hydroxide, to precipitate the zinc onto the pigment particles. Any soluble salt formed during such neutralization can then be washed out and recovered.

invention is stability arises when eflect likedesired durability improvements in respect to chalking and fading resistance in such rutile pigments. Pigment durability tests already had indicated maximum and optimum pigment I the titanium dioxide which has been combined with minor quantities of zinc titanate crystals is in substantially 100% rutile state; and, furthermorathat such stability is particularly notable andexceptional when such rutile titanium dioxide has been converted from its anatase modification. Where conversion to ,rutile'has beenpartially effected, the fading and characteristics which the nine-treated pigment will exhibit will be found.

chalking resistance to be more or less proportional to the amount of rutile present therein, e. g., the greater the amount of the more dense rutile crystal present,

, the more effective will be the durability charoxide com-- is subject to peraturesinduce an undesired sacrifice acteristics of the pigment. Foroptimum benefits under the invention, it will be found desirable to resort to calcination temperatures which will eflect from about to 100%, and preferably in excess of rutile conversions. In effecting' such conversions, it will be found desirable and preferable to employ calcination temperatures which are not in excess of substan-- tlally,25.-C. to 50 C. above the point at which such complete rutile conversion is effected. As has been indicated, these-effective calcination temperatures .vary with the zinc concentration, and furthermore, relatively high in tinting strength and pigment color values. Therefore, the limiting calcination temperature figures just given provide a useful guide for adopting optimum calcination temperatures in' the invention',

Where anatase titanium dioxide is employed as a starting material in the invention and initially subjectedtol calcination to first develop desired pigmentarylvalu'es, such preliminary calcination is preferably effected under such conditions as will inhibit conversion of'the anatase to rutile. For this purpose, suitable conversion-incalcined but in the presence of the zinc compounds contemplated herein, whereby conversion of the titanium dioxide to rutile crystalline form and combination therewith of relatively minor quantities of-zinc titanate cry tals becomes effected.

The use of the zinc compounds of my invention during titanium dioxide calcinationor recalcination will be found distinctly advantageous and nex ect dly and desirably influence the properties which the ultimate pigment will exhibit,

The presence of minorqruntities of sine oxide during calcination, particularly during conversion ofthe anatase torutile, exerts a uniform increase in pigment particle sine, this arising.

the twoefoldchange ocanatase to rutile calcination temof 800 C., and depends upon the zinc oxide concentration' present. Generally, however, the higher the zinc oxide concentration the lower will be the effective conversion temperature. For instance, as theaccompanying Figure 1 demonstrates. when using about 2% zinc oxide, optimum tinting strength and conversion to rutile becomes effected at a temperature of about 920 (2., whereas when using about 1%, a temperature of about 940 C. is required. Thus, a convenient method for controlling titanium dioxide pigment particle sizes by correlating calcination temperatures with amounts of ztnc oxide utilized is afforded.

The influence which the use of small amounts of zinc compounds exerts upon the particle size of the titanium dioxide obtained in the invention is more clearly shown by the following table, wherein direct comparison betweenpigments of the instant invention with standard anatase titanium dioxide and precipitated rutile is had. In

each instance, d1 represents average particle size It will thus be seen that the products obtained in accordance with this invention will comprise a composite pigment consisting substantially of rutile titanium dioxide (determined in accordance with the X-ray diifraction pattern tests hereinbeforeset out) together with minor quantities of combined zinc titanate crystals in the form of zinc ortho-titanate (ZnzTiOr) The zinc titanate content of said pigment .rang'e, preferably, from about .15% to about 3% and to as highlas about.15%. When these pigments are tested in accordance with procedures already outlined, they will be found to be relativelylarge but substantially uniform in average (d1) particle size diameter, but within the desirable range of from about .3 to about 2.0 microi'is. Usually, less than 40% of the particles will average below about-.3 microns, while over 95% thereof will not exceed an average of substantially 2.0 microns. Furthermore, more than 40% will range from about .40 to .80 average micron diameter, well within the range of titanium pigment particle size most desirably use- 'ful for exterior tinted paints and automotive titanate pigments which are very low, not only in hiding powerbut tinting strength as well. This increase in hiding power and tinting strength is very advantageous because one is permitted to formulate the paint with satisfactory one-coat hiding power or, alternatively, to incorporate in paints containing the present pigments more inert extenders of low cost, to thereby reduce the cost of such paint without incurring any sacrifice in hiding power or dura- 1 bility.

Again, as the accompanying figures illustrate,

these novel pigments possessother valuable pigmentary characteristics, such as improved tinting strength, oil absorption and satisfactory color or brightness. For instance,'when the pigments are produced under preferred conditions, and

depending upon temperatures of calcination and zinc oxide concentrations, they-will be found to exhibit values in tinting strength ranging from about 140 to about 170. This, considering that the lowest acceptable limit for a commercial, ex-

ceedingly high grade pigment -'is 120, is, highly demonstrative of the fact that these pigments are manifestly superior over prior pigments in this respect alone. I

The pigments will exhibit desirable oil absorption values which will. range from about 16 to about 20, these values decreasing as the calcination temperature increases. Thus, it is possible to obtain a decrease of 30% or more, if

desired, and, as the accompanying graphs show,

a decrease of only about 17% is usually effected when conversion of the titanium oxide to rutile occurs. For commercial purposes, an oil absorption of 12 or less is not acceptable, while a value of 15 or higher is very desirable, and the 'improvement which these pigments aflor'd in this respect is at once apparent. I

As already indicated, pigment color is somewhat influenced by the temperatures -of calcination. However, a satisfactorily white, bright pigment may be obtained herein, even when relatively highcalcination temperatures are resorted to. Thus, starting with a pigment having a brightness or color of about 95%, a final pigment color I of about 90%.or higherv is easily obtainable, and

v thus a pigment results which is adapted to a finishes. When sizes of these pigments are comwide and general commercial usage. As the accom nying graphs show, the pigment color values obtained check thebrightness values, as measured by the Hardy spectrophotometer. Although some slight loss in color arises, this is not at all undesirable, since it is more than compensated for 'by the'iinproved chalking and fading resistance properties which these pigments exhibit when employed in exterior coating formulations.

Durability tests in exterior house paints and automotive finishes to determine the fading and chalking resistance characteristics of these novel pigments in such formulations as against prior titanium pigments, have been undertaken. It is in these fields that the white titanium'oxides from prior processes have shown their inability to displace other prime pigments, inspite of their superior hiding power. liixcessivechalking not exceeding .4 micron and .none exceeding .8

micron, the particle size distinction which the pigments of the present invention' present is clearly evident.

It will be found that the pigments of this invention will exhibit superior and greatly improved hiding power values over prior titanium dioxide pigments, and especially over 100% zinc of white automotive paints or finishes made with titanium oxide has prevented its adoption in this field, and excessive fading of tints has prevented its widespread adoption in the tinted exterior paint field.

In one series of test exposures on comparative durability, a widely used outside house paint formulation such as that already referred to was selected, while in another series an automotive finish consistlng'of a polyhydric. alcohol-poly-' basic acid resin formulation such as already described was. employed. used in every instance of 'suitable controls were test, consisting of. prior T10: pigments in standard paint and automotive finishformulations. The automotive finish standard contained 30% titanium dioxide and '10% of antimony oxide pigment, the latter, al-

though much inferior in hiding power, being commonly used to impart chalk resistance to theititanium oxide. Also, a 100% zinc titanate pigment in a standard. equal hiding power formulation'containlng 60.1% of zinc titanate and 86.1 leaded zinc oxide with 3.3% of asbestine was used. The various panelsemployed in the.

comparative tests were exp sed on vertical and 45 inclined Delaware fences facing south, and

also on 45 south Florida fences, as already described. The Florida exposure is a greatly accelerated testby which one may determine the paint properties a given pigment within a shortened period of time. These are almost always afilrmed by the, Delaware south vertical test, which is somewhat more representative of American weather conditions.

The following are representative results on i fading and chalking from these tests, particu- (b) Exterior house paints Ghalking TiO pigment I ZnO Rutile and p fading Percent C. Percent 1 850' 0 l etc 0 1 875' 0 2 876 0 1 911) 2 000 10 l 925 75 2 925 75 1 950 90 42 .950 90 1 975 W 2 975 98 l 1000 100 2 1000 100 1 1026 100 2 1025 100 1 1050 100 2 1050 100 Priorart (snstas'e) 0 The foregoing results 'on chalking and fading demonstrate the inherent superiority which piglarly' in 'respect'to outsid e housepaints, after approximately 8% months exposure (the Florida exposure being naturally more advanced).':-

V .qrsdings Pigment Florida 45 s. Delaware sv Gray Buff Gray Bull Pri0rsrtli0 snstasc) 1s '18 15 15 Prior art 'liO rutile. l5 15 1,5 15 1007 zinc titanste 18 13. 1s 1s mail. Tw g z, zo-woo c. 1 y c 4 1 To moreiparticularly illustrate the durability ments ,pf this invention exhibit over prior titanium pigments. Thus, paints and automotive finishes made up from ordinary anatase and rutile titanium dioxide and admixed with other pigments and extenders or paints containing 100% titanate pigments, when exteriorally exposed,'exhibit poor durability, i. e., pronounced and extreme fading and chalking within a very short period of time (less than two months), whereas the rutile titanium dioxide-zinc titanate pigments" of myinvention exhibit comparatively no fading or chalking, even after prolonged exposure and in excess of five months time. This is eflectively' demonstrated by Figure 2 of the accompanying drawing, wherein curves are shown which represent the chalking characteristics which a series of panels coated with a standard automotive finish comprising a polyhydric alcharacteristics which the instant pigments ex-- hibit,'and especially the eifect which the presence of rutile and zinc titanate has in the pigv ment, the following results are given, obtained 1 as a" result of Florida exposures vfor a period of three and-one-half months in the described automotive. finishes and house paint formulations:

(a) Polyhydricalcohol-polilbcsic acid automotive finish Ghslki s' Cale TlO, pigment ZnO Rutile and V 1 temp. mm

Percent C. Pmcsl 1 sun I 0 18 2 850 0 18 a 875 0 13 875. 0 l3 1 e00 10 4 2 too 10 8 1 m 7s 0 2 .925 75 0 1 950 -90 0 2 950 U 0 l 975 N 0 2 075. Q r 0 1 1000 100 0 2 11X!) 100 0 8 1M 1!!! 0 5 "1000 100 0 10 1000 1W 0 1 msmo 0 V 2 1026 m '0 1 1000 IN 0 a '2 1060 100 0 cohol-polybasic acid type of resin, and subjected to 45 south Florida exposures, exhibit after seven months time. Thus, from said figure it will be seen when standard anatase titanium dioxide alone is employed in such formulations, extreme chalking is evident at the end of two months time, while in instances where a mixture of titanium dioxide and antimonyoxide is resorted to in such finishes, considerable chalking occurs at the end of seven months time. In contrast to this, when these formulations contain the novel pigments of.my invention, no chalking whatever is evident at the end of five months time, and only very slight chalking occurs under these extreme conditions of exposure at the end of seven months time. Thus, not only do my novel pigments exhibit a very decided improvement over anatsse T10: pigments, but they also evidence considerable improvement in chalking resistance vcharacteristics over nos-antimony I, oxide of pigments. The novel pigmerits of my invention will be-found to be particularly adaptable for use in these automotive finish formulations. [is-indicated, antimony oxids has been previously employed thereinfor the purpose inhibiting the chalking tendencies of the TlOs' pigment with which it is mixed. However,sntimonyoxideisverylowinhidingpower and the amount permissible for use therein or-. dinarily cannot exceed 00%. Consequently, m1 pigmentation is not afforded and the resultant coating composition will be, lacking in desired 7 hiding power characteristics. Use of the-novel pigmentsofmyinventicninsuchautomotive nu.

1 types. of coating place during calcination,

. duped therefrom.

. a consequence. obscureishes affords full pigmentation with titanium dioxide and eliminates the necessity of resorting to a pigment which is relatively low and unsatisfactory in hiding power. In view of such permissible full pigmentation, the resulting coating film will be found suitable for one coat application as a finish and to exhibit satisfactory hiding or covering power.

Another advantage afforded by my invention lies in the fact that the calcined pigment of the present invention may be discharged from the calciner directly into a quenching or cooling liquid, such as water, and the customary method of cooling the calciner discharge in air prior to slurrying in water and grinding may be dispensed with. Due to the sintering actionwhich takes titanium dioxide pigments upon discharge from the calciner are relatively hard and very diflicult to grind. Quenching of the calcined T10: in water is avoided because of the deleterious effect which sharp cooling has upon color, 1. e., a blue rather than a white pigment results from prior anatase T10: pigment treatments. This is thought to arise by reason of possible formation of Th: at the calcination temperature and due to the high temperature quench the equilibrium becomes arrested while appreciable amounts of Th0: are present.

I have found that in my process a blue pigment is not produced when direct quenching of the hot pigment in water as it discharges from the calcineris resorted to. This important difference over the prior art is believed ;to arise in a large measure by reason of the presence of the zinc compound, although I have not definitely established this fact. Irrespective of the true explanation of thedifferent behavior of the product of to advantageously 40 1100 C., until by X-ray examination the presence my invention, I am enabled use this wet quenching'procedure, and accordingly obtain ashattering action on the sintered particles by virtue of the direct discharge of the hot pigment into the cold water. -"I'his is a dellnite aid in grinding to effect fine pigment sub- 1 45 anatase titanium oxide in the presence of a division and, as stated, this has not been here'- tofore practical in titanium pigment production; By calcining the anatase "H0: in the presence of a small amount of a 'zinc compound such as zinc oxideand then quickly cooling by calcined pigment into water, )1 procure optimum,

results in myinvention and am' able to grind the otherwise factory fineness with a minimum of eil'ort. The product is of satisfactory whiteness ness and does not possess the impaired color that accompanies similarly quenched prior art T:

.Digments.

Inaddition to its adaptability for use in all x composition formulations, the

pigment of my invention will be found to be especially suited for use in delustering rayon. whereby fade resistant dyed fabrics can be pro- T102 pigments exhibit in rayon is dissimilar from that existing in colored paints, for the reason that in the rayon the dye itself becomes bleached,

whilein paints, fading arises by reason of the accumulation of the titanium oxide particles on the surface of the paint him as a chalk, and as the true paint color beneath. The superiority of my pigment for rayon use is adapted to all types of rayon. not only in viscose rayon, but also in acetate fibers and fabrics.

As stated. the improved titanium dioxide pigor coalesced alkaline 35- I claim as myinvention:

1. A process for preparing white pigments discharge of- -5 fected and ,can be detected by x-ray examinahard pigment material to satisand bright- 55 nium dioxide and a minor amountof zinc oxide This fading tendency which ments of my invention .will be adapted for many uses, and particularly in paint and coating composition formulations to be employed in outside exposures. In such formulations it will be de- 5 sirable to add to the pigments suitable extenders,

such as barium sulfate, fibrous talc, silica, ground barytes, whiting; etc., useful for their bulking value and thickening effect upon the paints or coating compositions.

10 It will be understood that the term "titanium dioxid here and in the appended claims is used in its broadest sense andcomprises not only titanium dioxide per se, but titanium dioxide suitably modified by either precipitated, blended earth metal sulfate extenders, such as those of barium or calcium, or with other types of extenders, such as silica, magnesium silicate, or the silicates in general.

The product of my novel process will be found to contain a minor amount of zinc oxide chemically combined with titanium oxide. This combination takes place during the calcination operation and may readiljxbe determined by an analytical method comprising an extraction with a dilute weak acid such as acetic. acid (or ammoniacalammonium salt solution) which dissolves free zinc oxide and water-soluble zinc salts but does not dissolve zinc when combined with titanium oxide.' The presence of zinc in this solution is readily observed by addition of a sulfide solution or by adjustment to a-pH of. about 7. Zinc oxide not foundby this test is regarded as being in chemical combination. with titanium oxide.

comprising heating a mixture of anatase titanium -dioxide and a minor amount of zinc oxide at a temperature between above 840. C. and

of a substantial amount-oi rutile titanium dioxide. can be detected. 4

2. A process for producing an improved pigment which comprises calcining pigmentary small amount of zinc oxide at a'temperature between above 840 C. and 1100 C., and continuing said calcination until substantial conversion of said anatase 'to'rutile becomes eftion.

3. As a new futile-pigmentary composition, a product substantially identical with that obtainable by heating a mixture of anatase titaat a temperature between above 840 C. and 1100 0., until by X-ray examination the presence of a substantial amount of r'utile' titanium dioxide can be detected.

4. Aiprocess for producing a stable, weatherresistanttitanium dioxide pigment, comprising calcining titanium. dioxide, at temperatures ranging, from about-600- 'to about 1100 0., in

\ the presence of a minor amount of a non-volatile zinc compound from the group consisting of an oxide or compound which yields an-o'xide during said calcination, until by x-ray examination the presence of a substantial amount of rutile titanium dioxide can be detected.

5. A process for producing a stable, weatherresistant titanium dioxide pigment comprising subjecting previously-calcined, pigment-developed anatase titanium dioxide .to recalcination at temperatures ranging from about 6,00 0. to

about 1100 c. in the presence of a small amount weather-resistant TiOr resistant of zinc nitrate,

' ment for a or a zinc compound from the group consisting 01 an oxideor compound which yields an oxide during said recalcination, and conducting said recalcination'treatment tor a period of time sufilcient to substantially completely convert said anatase titanium dioxide to rutile.

6. A process for producing a relatively stable, weather-resistant titanium dioxide pigment comprising subjecting a mixture of pigment-developed anatase titanium dioxide and from about .1% to 10% of zinc oxide, present, to calcination at temperatures ranging from about 600 to about 1100 C., and conducting said calcination treatment for a period of time sufficient to substantially completely con.- vert said anatase titanium dioxide to rutile.

"I. A process for producing a relatively stable,

pigment, comprising subjecting a vmixture oi previously-calcined, pigment-developed anatase T102 and from about .l% to 10% of zinc oxide, based on the T10: present, to calcination at from about 850 to 1050? C., and conducting said calcination treatment for a period of time sufiicient to effect from substantially90;to 100% conversion of the anatase TiOz to rutile.

8. A process for producing a stable, weather- T102 pigment comprising subjecting previously-calcined, pigment-developed anatase TlOz to recalcination at temperatures ranging from about 850 to about 1050 C. in the presence of from about .1% to 2% of zinc ox de,- based on the T102 present, and continuing said .recalcination treatment for a period of time sufficient to substantially completely convert said anatase 'TiOz to rutile.

9. A process for producing a stable. weatherres st nt Tioz'p gment com ri ing subjecting va mixture of previously-calcined. pigment-developed anatase T102 and from about .l% to 2% of zinc sulfate. based on the TiO: present, to recalcina nw at t mperatures ran ing from about 850 to about 1050 C.. and continuing said recalcinat on treatment for a period of time sufll cient to substantially completely convert said anatase T102 to rutile. I I '10. A process forproducing -a stable, weatherres'lstant T: pigment comprising subiecting a oped anatase HO: and from about .l% to 2% recalcination. at temperatures ranging trom about 850 to about 1QO C., and continuing said recalcination treatment for a period of time suflicient to substantially completely convertisaid anata'se 110: to rutile.

11. A. process for producing a stable, weatherbased on the TlOr temperatures ranging based on the T10: present, to.

mixture of previously calclned, plgment-develable by heating a anatase T10: and from resistant titanium dioxidepigment, comprising initially calcining a temperature ranging C. in the presence of a watersolubie alkaltmetal salt, thereatter,in the substantial absence i0! said alkali metal compound. recalcining the titanium dioxideproductat artemperature ranging from about 600 to 11009 C. in the presence of a small amount of a zinc compound from the group consisting oi an oxide or zinc compound which yields oxide under the recalcination conditions, and continuing said recalcination treatriod oi time 'sufllcient to substantially comple iyconvert said anatase titanium dioxidetnrutile;

12. A process for i ic l 'a substantially staanatase titanium dioxide at from about 600 to 1100. w

' aasassi conditions prevailing presence of potassium ble, weather-resistant titanium dioxide pigment comprising initially calcining anatase titanium dioxide at a temperature rangin from about son to 1100" c. m the presence of a soluble alkali metal salt compound adapted to inhibit conversion of the anatase to rutile during said initial calcination, thereafter, but in the substantial absence of said alkali metal salt, recalcining the titanium oxide product at a temperature ranging from about 600 to 1100 C. in the presence oi from about .l% to 10% from the 'group consisting of an oxide or compound of zinc which'yields an oxide under the and continuing said recalcination treatment for a period of time suiilcient to substantially completely convert said anatase titanium dioxide to rutile.

13. A process for producing a relativeiy stable, weather-resistant T10: pigment, comprisinginitially calcining anatase T102 at a temperature ranging from about 850'to about 1050 C. in the sulfate, whereby said anatase becomes inhibited from converting to rutile during said initial cining said apatase sence of said potassium ence of from about .l%

T102 in the substantial absulfate and in the presbased on the T102, and conducting said ,recalcination treatment for a'period oi time sufllcient to effect substantially to conversion of the anatase T10: to rutile.

14. As a new ruti e pigmentary composition,

a product substantially identical with that obtainable by heating a mixture of anatase titanium dioxide and a minor amount of a non-volatile zinc compound from the group consisting of an oxide or compound which yields an oxide during heating at a temperature between about 600 to "00 0., until by X-ray examinationthe presence of a substantialamount oi rutile titanium dioxide can be detected.

15. As anew rutile pigmentary composition, a product substantially identical with that obtainable by heating a slurry mixture of previously'-'-calcined, pigment-developed anatase T10: and from about .l% to about 19% from the group consisting of an oxide' or comthe anatase to rutile by x-ray' examination.

pound which yields an a temperature ranging ,about 850 and about 1050' C.,-until frbm'substantially 90 to 100% conversion oi said anatase to rutile becomes effected and can be detected!!! x-ray examination Q JAMES mar noooisi of a zinc compound during said recalcination,

calcinatlon, thereafter recalto 2% ct zinc oxide,

of a zinc compound oxide during heating at from about 600 to 1100" 0., until from about 90 to 100% conversion of becomes eIIect emasdetected about .l% to 10% of sine oxide, based on' said Tim, at a temperawre ranl- 

